What Is Wrong With The Philly Media?

Will someone please answer this question for me: why would you write a story about a hero cop who stared down two shooters without firing a shot, then smear the man who is lying in very critical condition today?

The story, written by a despicable person named Regina Medina (right) of The Philadelphia Daily News begins like this:

Charles Cassidy never blinked in the face of danger.

In March, the 25-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and his partner, Officer Barry Delagol, faced down two suspects who had just shot a man in Logan, Philadelphia police said in a press release issued this spring.

The criminals, with firearms in hand, ran toward Cassidy and Delagol, and the two 35th police officers repeatedly ordered the shooters to drop their weapons until they complied. The suspects were then arrested.

The story then recaps today's tragic events before firing a sarcastic shot at the man who was a hero to many people in Northwest Philadelphia:

In 1995, a lawyer defending a man accused of drug possession, accused Cassidy and police officer Joseph McMonagle of planting drugs on the floor of Victor Stubbs’ car. The officers were angry, lawyer Susan Gelman claimed, because they couldn’t charge Stubbs with robbery.

But the jury dismissed the claims and convicted Stubbs.

What possible reason is there to add in this anecdote? Does it make her feel good to slam a man who paid a heavy price for protecting the citizens of this city? Will she be giggling about the paragraph in front of her liberal, cop-hating co-workers and friends tonight during "Wine and Brie Night?"

Regina Medina, you are a truly despicable person.

Philadelphia Police Officer Shot, Critical After Robbery

Sorry for the lack of posts, everyone, but I've been kind of busy today. I doubt this entry will be coherent, because most of us are still in shock.

Philadelphia Police Officer Charles Cassidy is out of surgery after being shot in the head during a robbery this morning, and last rites have been administered. A medical team at Albert Einstein Medical Center is trying to stabilize his blood pressure and reduce swelling in his brain.

Police said that Cassidy, a 25-year veteran, stopped into Dunkin' Donuts in the 6600 block of North Broad Street about 10:30 a.m. as part of his morning routine. Johnson said he regularly checked on local businesses where recent robberies had occurred. Cassidy entered at the same time a robber pulled a gun and demanded money. The gunman spun around and fired at least one shot at the officer.

Johnson said that the gunman shot the officer once in the head and that the bullet lodged in his brain. The officer fell near a trash can and the gunman then took the officer's gun. Police are conducting a massive manhunt in the area.

The robber was described as a heavyset African American man about 5-foot-11 to 6 feet tall wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, tan khaki pants and tan boots, and with a spiderweb tattoo on his left hand. He may have been carrying an extra hoodie that is black with gray stripes. (H/T - The Philadelphia Inquirer)

(If you think you know this person, please call the Philadelphia Police Homicide Division at 215-686-3334.)

Captain America has more on the story HERE.

The first person to make a donut shop joke is banned from SYLG. Seriously. I have known and worked with Chuck - no one calls him Charles - for two years now, and he is the first officer shot that I have known personally. Chuck was shot a mere seven blocks from our headquarters. It would behoove you not to make jokes.

The above is a clip from The Inquirer, but here's the gist of what really happened:

The listed Dunkin Donuts has been robbed point of gun a few times in the last two months. Thus, the officers in the 35th District made it a point to check on the store regularly. Chuck stopped by today at about 10:15am. He pulled up in his patrol car, and entered the store. The scumbag, cop-shooting piece of garbage was at the front of the line holding up the store point of handgun. There were a few people behind the shooter.

Chuck walks in the door, and the shooter quickly turns around and points the gun at him. Chuck, surprised, moves back and goes for his pistol. The shooter fired one round at Chuck, which struck him in the head. Chuck falls, and the shooter runs out of the store. Amazingly, this piece of detritus comes back, bends over Chuck and takes Chuck's service pistol before fleeing the scene. There is a video of the shooting, and our Crime Scene Unit is currently doing their best to enhance the images of the thug.

Soon thereafter, we hear sirens flying up Broad Street. An officer comes into the Division and says that there's an officer down. Everyone not currently working on a job - and a few who are - drop everything, grab their vests and radios, and bolt out the door. The only thing we know is that the officer is being transported to Albert Einstein Medical Center.

After too many anxious minutes, the rumor starts going around that the officer involved is Chuck Cassidy. The rumor is soon confirmed, but no one can believe it. Not Chuck. He's always careful. He always wears his vest. He's a great cop. Can't be him.

It is.

I talked to the first detective on the scene, and immediately ask, "How bad?" He replies, "Dude, there's so much blood. I don't think he's gonna make it. We need a miracle." The shock gets worse. At last report, Cardinal Rigali has given Chuck Last Rites.

Let me tell you a little bit about Chuck Cassidy. He's a terrific person and a great cop. And yes, I know everyone says that when there's a tragedy, but this time it's the truth. He never had a bad word to say about anyone, and was friendly with everyone. Chuck has been a police officer for 25 years, and while some old-timers are counting the days to retirement, Chuck was beating rookies to priority radio calls. He is full speed ahead all the time. That's why he's so popular.

Now let me tell you a little bit about me. When work gets busy, I get crabby. When I get crabby, I get mean. And when I get mean, I take it out on others. Chuck and I usually got along swimmingly, but the last time he brought up a job, I was in a terrible mood. I can't remember exactly, but I think I was a little rude to him. Frankly, I am rude to a lot of people when I get into one of those moods. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now it's consuming me. The last time I talked to him, I think I was rude to him.

And now he's in very critical condition with a bullet lodged in his brain. And I can't apologize to him. I can't tell him that I'm sorry.

Please pray for Chuck, his wife, and his three children.

Happy Halloween

Why not celebrate the holiday with one of my favorite horror films of all time, Phantasm II?

Philadelphia Police Officer Shot

Another officer shot. Another suspect dead. Welcome to Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Police have recovered the body of a suspect who shot a Philadelphia Police officer in Center City Tuesday night.

Officer Mariano Santiago, an 18-year veteran of the force, was shot once in the shoulder by a suspect at 22nd and Sansom Streets in Center City around 10:30 p.m. The 43-year-old officer and father of three was rushed to Jefferson University Hospital, where he is listed in serious but stable condition. Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson said Santiago's injuries are not considered life-threatening.

According to police, the incident began when a masked suspect opened fire on three people inside a vehicle near 15th and Sansom Streets.

Officer Santiago responded to the shooting, encountering the suspect at 22nd and Sansom Streets, police said. The suspect allegedly fired two shots through the windshield of the officer's cruiser, striking him once in the shoulder. Officer Santiago returned fire, chasing the suspect for a little over a block.

Several eyewitnesses said the suspect jumped from the Walnut Street Bridge into the Schuylkill River following the shooting. Sources said police witnessed the suspect struggling in the dark waters, but were advised not to go after him for their own safety.

Over 100 police officers and marine units searched the Schuylkill River until a body was found at about 2:45 a.m. (H/T - CBS3)

Oh, that's a shame. In the last week, two Philadelphia police officers have been shot. Both of the officers will recover. Both of the shooters are dead. Sounds like a Happy Halloween to me.

Grady Little Resigns As Dodgers Manager

Big news out of Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Grady Little resigned as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, paving the way for Joe Torre to take the job.

Little said it was a move he considered for some time, and he told general manager Ned Colletti of his decision Tuesday. First, Little called it "a mutual resignation." Later, he said it was his choice to leave with a year remaining on his contract.

"I've got my own personal reasons," Little said on a conference call.

When asked if reports that the Dodgers were speaking with Torre influenced his decision, Little replied firmly: "No." (H/T - Yahoo! Sports)

This story makes me sick to my stomach. I mean, sure, Grady Wilson may not have been the best choice for manager, but he tried his best to motivate his players. Of course, juggling a big league managing job while spending quality time with his friend Fred Sanford may have attributed to the team's collapse, but that's neither here nor there.

Personally, I think the constant taunts of "You big dummy" from Aunt Esther made Grady's tenure a miserable one. Now that he has resigned, perhaps he can concentrate on the junkyard business he so enjoyed.

What's that? Grady Little resigned as the Dodgers coach?

Oh. Never mind.

And The Winner Is . . .

Today - after a serious scheduling snafu two weeks ago - the missus and I traveled to Holy Redeemer Hospital for our ultrasound appointment. Hopefully, we would find out the sex of the child here. Since this absotively posilutely our last child - Hear that, Pandy? - we'd rather prepare for the new arrival than be surprised . . . and immediately busy afterwards.

I rushed over to the hospital from work, and met the missus in the parking garage. She parked next to me and I asked her if she really had to go to the bathroom. Being a terrific detective and keen observer of all things human, I completely missed the fact that she didn't need to drink a gallon of water for this ultrasound. Smooth, Wyatt.

Unfortunately for me, I had to tinkle like Smarty Jones. As of yesterday, I officially went back on Weight Watchers, and have been drinking water - and the occasional Turkey Hill diet iced tea - on a constant basis. So, while she checked in, I checked in to the local Motel #1. Heh. When I returned, we took a seat in the waiting room, and *gasp* waited. And waited. And waited. Soon, our 2:15 appointment turned into our 4:00 appointment, and Wyatt was not a cheery guy.

Finally, the ultrasound tech took us into the examination room. Then abruptly left us there for another 15 minutes. In between cracks about the Ultrasound Gel ("Where do you get a tub of gel that size?") and loving reassurances ("If you want a girl, expect a boy. That way, you won't be disappointed.") we passed the time rather quickly. When the tech arrived, we were ready to rumble.

The gel smeared on the missus' belly, it was obviously show time. The tech took pictures of almost every part of our child and at every angle. While the wife smiled politely and said "Uh-huh" when the tech said "That's a leg" - As if we wouldn't know a leg when we saw it! - we were waiting to hear what we were going to welcome into the world. The tech asked if we wanted to know the sex, and we said in unison, "Yes."

The tech nodded, and continued to take snapshots for the next ten minutes. She was frakkin' with us.

As she moved the camera around, she said, "You're baby's camera shy. he doesn't want to open his legs." My first thought was, "Good! If it's a girl, at least I know I don't have a Paris Hilton on my hands!" After a few moves, the baby turned into the camera. We held our breaths for the next sentence. This child will either be our third boy or our first girl . . .

The tech looked at the missus and said, "Do you have room for a third?"

IT'S ANOTHER BOY, BABY! WHOO HOO! ANOTHER MAN TO RULE THE ROOST!

Okay, I didn't exactly yell that. To be honest, the wife and I just smiled at each other, but not only out of happiness. We shared the "I told you so" smile that we knew we were going to see. I joked a lot about it, but the simple fact is that I cannot give the wife a girl. For a split second we were a little disappointed - a girl would have been great - but that feeling was fleeting. The bottom line is that we have a healthy baby boy there, and all of the measurements and tests prove that. And I'll take healthy over gender any day.

So, here's an updated picture of Earp son #3. We're happy. Kyle and Erik are happy. Everyone wins.

Now if only we could think of a name for this one . . .

The baby, lying on his back, with his face on the left.

The Accidental Police Commissioner

Philly Police Commish Sylvester Johnson: "What, me worry?"

Apparently, my boss is already enjoying his retirement. Except that he hasn't left the job yet. Ducks don't get any more lame than this guy.

The city's top law-enforcement officer says Michael Nutter's proposed "stop-and-frisk" policy would be a "disaster."

Outgoing Police Commissioner Sylvester M. Johnson said that the presumptive mayor's promise to invoke the more aggressive law-enforcement strategy would undermine the community rapport that Johnson feels he has developed in six years as police chief. He said the next commissioner "is going to have a problem" with discontent - or worse, civil unrest - if the goodwill is undermined.

"What Nutter is saying - this stop-and-frisk is going to be a disaster," Johnson said in an interview with The Inquirer. "What he's saying, too, is that he wants a police commissioner to be harder. Well, harder on what? . . . Do you think locking people up is making a difference?

Oh, not at all, boss. I think keeping gun-toting thugs on the street is the way to go. Do you believe this guy? Okay, we'll just stop arresting everyone. You hear that, Philadelphia? There are no more laws. The police will stop making pinches. It's Thunderdome! If you read a little further, you get this terrific wisdom nugget from Johnson:

"It's not that I'm easy on crime," he said. "I'm fair and compassionate toward people. I have been that way my entire life, and have no intention of changing." (H/T - The Philadelphia Inquirer)

And that, sir, is why you are one the worst police commissioners this city has seen in years.

Yet Another Obama Drama

Take a look at this photo. It was taken in September with some of the Democrat Presidential candidates during the singing of the National Anthem.

"Senator Barack Obama, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Hillary Clinton and Ruth Harkin stand during the national anthem." - TIME Magazine

Do you see anything wrong here? If you answered, "Obama refused to place his hand over his heart during the National Anthem," then go to the head of the class. Apparently, Barack Obama not only refuses to wear an American flag lapel pin, but he also refuses to recognize the Anthem.

Look, the lapel pin matter is a non-issue in my opinion, but the national Anthem is a different story. I don't care how Barack Obama feels about the Anthem, but the man is running for President of the United States. Suck it up, place your hand on your heart, and show some respect.

This is one of the few times where I'll ignore a politician's hypocrisy. Why? Because this photo sends a terrible message to the rest of the world. You're a United States Senator, Mr. Obama, please start acting like it.

An Open Letter To The Makers Of Dockers

Dear Sirs,

My name is Wyatt Earp, and I am a long-time customer. My position as a Philadelphia Police Detective necessitates the purchase of your product en masse, and usually I am very satisfied. Usually.

Recently, however, I have had some issues with your khakis. These issues have presented themselves in two parts:

• Color.
• Sizing.

The sizing issue is one of enormous importance. And that is because my body is enormous. I have recently suffered a devastating hockey injury, and until my knee is healed, I can rarely exercise. Since I still eat like a big, fat, sweaty hog, I cannot maintain my ample girth, and have expanded into Dom De Luise proportions. This is cause for concern.

Of course, my health problems are not the concern - unless that includes the soreness around the gut that I feel after a day at the office. The concern is that you have stopped manufacturing the "Individual Fit" khakis with the expandable waistband. What the Hell?

These khakis were a godsend to the portly gentleman. If a few pounds hitched a ride on my ass, it wasn't a big deal. Without the Individual Fit option, however, this means that I will have to eat celery for lunch for a few weeks. And what good is celery, unless it's in a Bloody Mary?

Please re-launch the "Individual Fit Relaxed" line; at least until I am cleared for ice hockey again.

The color issue is also of great importance. Why? Because I recently purchased two pairs of pants; one black, one in midnight blue. Have you ever tried to disseminate the difference of these colors at 5:45 in the morning? It's impossible! I know this because I tried to do so this morning before work, and I didn't know I was wearing blue instead of black until The Godfather pointed it out.

Do you know how ridiculous I looked wearing a brown shirt, black tie, and blue pants?!!!

Would it kill you people to label the color of the Dockers on an inside label? I usually get dressed in the dark - so as to not wake the family - but I'd rather not look like I got dressed in the dark. Please rectify these situations as soon as possible. Thank you.

The Missus Would Say This Is Kyle And Me

(H/T - Cowboy Blob)

For the record, I wouldn't let Kyle play Grand Theft Auto . . . yet.

Judge Lisa Richette 1928-2007

Would writing "Ding dong, the witch is dead" be in bad form?

LISA AVERSA RICHETTE, a brilliant but controversial jurist who cared for battered women, the homeless, children at risk, the mentally ill and long-term prisoners, died of lung cancer on Friday.

The 79-year-old judge was being cared for at Vitas Hospice inside St. Agnes Continuing Care Center in South Philadelphia.

"She was flamboyant, outspoken, people respected her judicial acumen," said retired Common Pleas judge and longtime friend David N. Savitt. "She was her own person. She had her own dignity, her own way of acting. She was separate from the mold." (H/T - The Philadelphia Daily News)

Those of you who know me know that I despise hypocrisy. Thus, I am about to write what I really feel about Judge Richette. You've been warned.

I am one of the thousands of Philadelphia police officers who had the distinct displeasure of sitting before Judge Richette. And I can tell you from first-hand experience that this woman has done more to enable crime in this city than any other human being. "Let 'Em Go Lisa" was a true piece of work. Well, she was a piece of something, anyway. She was a true friend to Philadelphia's violent criminal population, and a true obstacle to the Philadelphia Police Department. Richette not only made sure defendants received a fair shake in her courtroom, she made sure they were treated more fairly than the victims.

With Richette's death, the streets of Philadelphia just got a little more safe.

Man's Weekend, 2007: A Retrospective

Yet another terrific MWE is now in the books, and a good time was had by all. Of course, it wouldn't be a Man's Weekend without a post-event wrap-up here at SYLG. And away we go . . .

Thursday, October 25th

Since Badger and Vincent couldn't get out of work early this year, we were forced to start MWE much later than usual. Vincent picked me up at 6pm, and we arrived at the shore house a little after 8pm. While driving down, I asked Vinnie what alcohol he brought with him.

His response? "All of it."

True enough, Vinnie brought sloe gin, amaretto, vodka, frangelico, and of course, whiskey. Thus, we had all the fixins of chocolate cake shots, Alabama slammers, and gimlets. Once we settled down - that took about three minutes - we broke out the cards and began the drinking games. Five of us plowed through a case of Guinness in a little over an hour. Ouch. When the black stuff was all gone, Vinnie made me one of his infamous Alabama slammers.

The rest of the evening was a blur. Thanks, Vin!

Friday, October 26th.

For those of you not in the Philadelphia area, this past weekend saw deluges of Noah-like proportions. When we awoke on Friday, no one really thought we would attempt to go golfing.

Unfortunately for us, we did - and it was one of several bad MWE decisions over the years.

When we were ready to tee off, it was obvious that we were the only morons on the course. It was cold and rainy, with high winds. Did you ever see Caddyshack, where the priest and Bill Murray play in the monsoon? This outing was much, much worse. My foursome included Fish, Badger, Vinnie, and myself, and when we noticed that it was raining horizontally, we knew we were in trouble. Simply stated, the holes were filled to the rim with water, there were small streams running through the greens, and you had to swim across the fairways.

When we finished the 9th hole, we looked longingly at the clubhouse. We didn't really want to quit - for fear of being called, um, "wussies" - but we were soaked to the bone. If we jumped into a pool, we would be less wet than we were. Vinnie was all for staying, but I think he was still drunk from Thursday night. Badger and I were considering quitting, so we turned to our moral center: Fish. We asked him if we should keep playing, and he smirked, shook his head, and deadpanned, "No."

We spent the next two hours dripping wet at the bar.

Once we got home, Vinnie took a shower in the bungalow. We rent the main house and the bungalow beside it. Like most years, Deathlok drops the ball with the owner, and the bungalow is missing:

• Heat.
• Electricity.
• Hot water.

When it's cold and rainy, a hot shower is a godsend. Vinnie, not wanting to wait in line for the good shower, decided to let loose his inner psychopath by taking an ice cold plunge into the bungalow shower. He screamed once or twice after getting in, but remarked that it was "great" afterwards. I think he had frostbite on the brain . . . and a few other areas. Heh.

Unfortunately for him, the ice shower kicked Vinnie's liver into high gear. And when we went to The Pour House in Sea Isle, he wanted to warm up. And what better way than to order whiskey shots? Vinnie ordered a "Whiskey Sampler" which consisted of four different whiskey shots. You can imagine where I'm going with this. We reminded Vin that the MWE record for whiskey shots in one night was seven, and that he should try to break that mark.

And break it, he did. Vinnie finished his ninth whiskey shot sometime around 2am, just minutes after Badger's brother Sean finished his tenth! Vinnie wanted to press on, but couldn't give it a go. Frankly, I'm surprised the two of them didn't drop dead. Whiskey is the Devil's work. And no, I would never survive in the Old West.

Saturday, October 27th

It was still frakkin' raining! What the Hell??? Saturday morning is usually reserved for recovery, since Saturday night is such a barf-fest. We laid low for most of the day, then Badger, Fish, Vinnie, and I embarked to the bar to watch the Flyers game at 4pm.

Do the math: First bar at 4pm. Bar closes at 2am. Total drinking time: 10 hours. Yikes!

Keeping in mind the truism: liquor than beer, you're in the clear, I started off with rum and coke. That was pretty safe. Somewhere between then and the end of the Flyers game, Vinnie bought me slammers. Not good. I was pretty cheery by then, and would have even sung the praises of Hillary Clinton. It was that bad.

We finished at the first bar and sauntered over to Charlie's in Somers Point. This place serves the best screwdrivers in the free world, using freshly-squeezed oranges with every order. Sweet! When we entered the establishment, we noticed something awesome: it was the bar's Halloween Party! Why was this awesome? Because one of the waitresses was wearing this exact costume (left). And she wasn't even the hottest employee in the place.

If I wasn't married, completely unlikable, and morbidly obese, I would have tried for this chick's phone number. Thankfully for her, I am all of those things, so I was good. Fish and I spent most of this night laughing at Badger. He and his nephew were thoroughly toasted, and that's always good for a laugh or three.

When Charlie's finally kicked us out, we had to fit six of us in Sean's Mustang. Badger and Sean sat up front, while Fish, Ross, and Colin sat in the back seat . . . with me lying across them. It was the most painful drive of my life - save for the drive to the church on my wedding day. (KIDDING!!!) It was a brutal end to a very long day.

Sunday, October 28th

For a change, the ride home was uneventful. No hangovers, no vomiting, and no vomiting. Heh. In an MWE first, no one in my group lost their lunches during the weekend. It was also an MWE first when we realized that not one vodka gimlet was consumed.

Sometimes "firsts" are definitely worth celebrating.

Good, Then Can We Stop Televising It Now?

Ironically, the Pistons were involved with a WWF-esque brawl three years ago that spilled into the stands!

It may have only been the end of the exhibition season, but Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace was in mid-season form.

"I still don't think they (Cavaliers) beat us, we beat ourselves," Wallace said. "And I think we also fell victim to that personal NBA thing where they are trying to make it a world game and get (television) ratings. They wanted to put their darling in there (the NBA Finals) and they did, and look what ended up happening.

"This game ain't basketball anymore, it's entertainment," Wallace said. "It's starting to get like the WWF. There ain't no real wrestling anymore either. It's all fake." (H/T - Yahoo! Sports)

But unlike the NBA, pro wrestling is actually entertaining!

Officer Shot, Suspect Killed Outside Philly Club

I can't even go away for a relaxing weekend?

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― A Police officer was wounded and a suspect was killed after a shootout outside a West Philadelphia nightclub early Sunday morning.

Officers were called to club Koko Bongo near 38th and Ludlow Streets as between 500-600 people left for the evening.

Police said Officer Saundra Van Hankel, a ten-year veteran of the force, was part of the special detail assigned to patrol the club, which authorities have been watching closely.

"The detail was set up because they had problems at the club last week. We had a sergeant and approximately nine other officers at that location," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson.

As the crowd exited the club, a scuffle broke out followed by dozens of gunshots according to eyewitness reports.

Thankfully, there is good news:

A suspect in the shooting was killed after taking a single shot to the chest. Police believe at least four others in the crowd opened fire on police. (H/T - CBS3)

Note to Philly's gun-toting thugs: Shoot at us if you want, but we shoot back . . . and we have much better aim. Just ask the suspect in this incident. Oh, wait . . . you can't!

I'm Back, Baby!

And I'll be posting after a little nap . . .

Thanks again to RT, who did a tremendous job running the homestead while I was away. Please thank her by visiting her blog HERE.

THINGS WYATT LIKES!

Wyatt is returning from MWE, today! My spies sent me this picture of Wyatt, et al, after a night of boozin'.

So, to ease the sting of a major hangover, I thought I'd post. . .

THINGS THAT MAKE WYATT HAPPY!!! (Well, at least he won't hate them.)

Indoor Lacrosse will have a 2008 season:
The league and union have reached an agreement, and that means there will be a season. (I thought those guys worked really good day jobs.)

Michigan wins 34-10 over Minnesota:
You know a Michigan win makes Wyatt really happy. Penn State lost and that makes him even happier.



A judge says "NO!" to Fumo:
Vince Fumo suffered a legal setback when a judge said that "yes" Fumo will have to defend all of the charges against him--ALL 139 counts!

(Although, he's allowed to pay taxes based on a home value of $250,000 for a house with an asking price of $7 million.)

A shorter workweek for Congress means less of this.
It seems as though the hard-at-work-and-getting-nothing-done-Congress needs some "me time."


Well, before I make like a banana and split, I'd like to leave Wyatt one last thing that will make his return to his blog a happy one:

Angie Everhart

Oh, and before I forget, I have pictures of chicks in hockey jerseys, too.

No "star date" for Captain Kirk?

Poor William Shatner. A new Star Trek movie is going to be filmed and he has not been asked to participate. The kicker? Nimoy has been asked to return to his role as Spock. How can you have Spock and not Kirk?

Oh-the-human-i-ty!

Never lost for words, Shatner stated his disbelief and opinion on the situation:

"I thought, what a decision to make, since it obviously is a decision not to make use of the popularity I have to ensure the movie has good box office. It didn't seem to be a wise business decision."

Yeah, a bit of ego, but he's not entirely wrong.

The new movie will follow younger versions of Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the crew of the Enterprise as they embark on an adventure. (H/T: CNN)

How could the powers that be pass up this?



Or this?

Death Penalty vs. Life...for the murderer of Officer Gary Skerski

I don't know how I feel about this one. I'm not sure I believe the murderer of a police officer should be allowed to plea. Was the case flawed? Is that the reason? Is it because Philly notoriously allows even the worse of criminals to skate by easily?

Shouldn't a cop killer receive an expedited ticket to his death?

A plea seems like a slap in the face, but then again, that's all the justice system and administration of Philadelphia seem capable of.

However, one source is quoted as saying that the family is comfortable with the plea. Families don't really have a choice, do they?

For example, an unidentified "police official" was credited with, "As much as [the prosecutors] want to get the death penalty, they know how much the family has to go through" with a lengthy trial.

The length of a trial shouldn't be a consideration. Justice should be the consideration.

Avoid a trial for the family? Whose family? The killer's? Yes, it is hard. Look at what Daniel Faulkner's widow continues to endure. However, if someone is brave enough to serve a community the way Skerski did, doesn't the family deserve to have, on their behalf, a prosecution of their family member's killer to the fullest extent of the law? Yes, it doesn't bring back Skerski to them, but doesn't his memory deserve more than some thug getting life plus 200 years? Three hots and cot versus paying for a crime doesn't seem like such a good trade off to me.

I just don't know.

Weekend Caption Contest: "Sit down, Waldo!"

This week is a special Halloween themed caption contest! (No, this is not the Halloween surprise.) Wyatt will post winners Monday. Have at it, and have fun!


OTHER CONTESTS:
Bullwinkle Blog

Cowboy Blob
Cowboy Blob is hosting a celebrity costume party instead of a caption contest this week.
Dust off your photoshopping skills and go dress K. D. Lang in a dress. HA!

Gone Rick Motel (Wyatt got 2nd place for last week's contest!)

Right Pundits (Wyatt got 3rd place last week!)

Rodney Dill (Wyatt WON this contest last week!!!)

RT (Wyatt got fourth place in my contest last week!)

Wizbang

Photoshop Entries:
Cowboy Blob






Top Five Entries:
5. Although he had a slight headache, Joe thought the past evening at the head-banging heavy metal concert went well. - Mrs. Grim
4. Even when they eat brains, herds of Democrats never seem to get any smarter... - JimmyB
3. Cowboy Blob's Photoshop
2. "Dang barber never can get the part just right." - Rodney Dill

WINNER! - After years of being taunted, Waldo finally gave the kids on the bus a piece of his mind. - John D

You might not want to send hate mail to your boss.

A Philadelphia woman, angered by an unresolved dispute at work, sent her boss a threatening letter.

In short, the letter warned her Muslim boss that bad things will happen to her and her children because of 9/11. (Sooooo, not cool.) The sentence? Eight months of jail. However, given the justice system in Philly, she won't serve a day.

(H/T: News & Observer)

That's not a good way to keep your job is it? It gave me something to think about, though. . .

Things you don't want to say to your boss:

1. My Uncle Anthony (pronounced ant-knee) wants to fit you for some snug fitting concrete shoes.

2. Let me show you my new knife throwing act. Just stand up against that outline of a body.

3. I'm going to MWE and you can suck it!

4. Listen, Darth-dude. You can take that light saber and stick it (choking sound)...

5. President Ahmadinejad, sir...I'm gay.

This Date In History

October 26, 1881: The Gunfight at the OK Corral.

A tribute to Wyatt's pen name:

According to Wikipedia, "the gunfight happened on Wednesday afternoon at about 3:00PM on October 26, 1881, in a vacant lot, known as lot 2, in block 17, behind the corral in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, United States. Some of the fighting was in Fremont Street in front of the vacant lot. About 30 shots were fired in 30 seconds."

Here's an actual news clipping about the gunfight:

"Although only three people were killed during the gunfight, it is generally regarded as the most famous gunfight in the history of the west." (H/T: WIKI)

The movie Tombstone has a really good portrayal of the fracas.

Hello and playing post office

Hello, y'all! I have all kinds of great stuff planned for this weekend. Oh, wait, I accepted the responsibility of making sure Wyatt gets about ten hits this weekend. The fun will have to wait.

However, I do have some real writing planned for SYLG and a nice Halloween surprise. Really, would I disappoint all of you? Never.

For now, enjoy this tribute to Yoda. The post office has seen fit to create a stamp in honor of the little guy.

Who knows? Maybe the stamp is just the beginning of great and wondrous things!

(H/T: MSNBC)

Feel free to stop by my blog for some mildly fun and amusing stuff. I try.

I'm Outta Here!

Off to Man's Weekend, but not without a parting funny. Enjoy!

Man's Weekend Is Upon Us!

Fish, Me, Vincent Antonelli, & The Badger at the links.

Do you hear that, liver? It's time to cowboy up and start working overtime! For today is the start of our annual Man's Weekend; a four-day drink/golf fest in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Amongst the participants will be Fish, Vincent Antonelli, The Badger, Deathlok, and Grimjack.

Last year's festivities were a little rough on yours truly. Apparently, my GI tract doesn't take too kindly to whiskey shots combined with unlimited pints of Guinness. Despite my pen name, I don't think I could have fared very well in the Old West. Thankfully, Vincent Antonelli hooked me up: he's bringing the fixins for Alabama Slammers. Sweet!

Golf will not be as sweet. We have tee times for 11am on Friday morning in Avalon, but the weather forecast for the weekend in rain, followed by rain, followed up by rain. Ironically, The Badger will most likely be raining vomit into a toilet by Friday evening, so it'll be a theme night. Heh.

As for this ol' blog, I've got it covered. The lovely and talented RT (right) will be posting in my stead. I'll be back on Sunday afternoon, but until then, she has the conn. Please give show her the same respect you show me. (Read: call her a racist, sarcastic, evil right-wing conservative.)

See y'all on Sunday!

Stop The Presses!

A rapper is in trouble with the law! But, they're usually such fine, upstanding individuals . . .

Rapper Foxy Brown has received 76 days in punitive segregation after she scuffled with another inmate at Rikers Island jail, authorities said Tuesday. Brown was separated from other inmates on Oct. 16, said Stephen Morello, deputy commissioner for public information for the city's correction department.

Brown, 28, and another inmate got into a shoving match earlier this month, said Morello, adding he didn't know why the two were fighting. Neither inmate was injured.

Following that incident, Morello said Brown was abusive toward correction guards and then refused to take a random drug test. (H/T - Yahoo!)

Lovely. Okay, it's quiz time again. Which of the following will be the result of this latest incident of thuggery:

1. Foxy's "street cred" will go through the roof.
2. Foxy's album sales will go through the roof.
3. My blood pressure will go through the roof.
4. All of the above.
   

Ice Hockey Update

THE JERSEYS ARE IN!

Credit Vincent Antonelli for all of the hard work, but the jerseys arrived yesterday. Now, they only have to be numbered and emblazoned with the Tony's Place logo, and we'll be good to go. (I'll post a photo of the finished product when they're ready.) And to show my thanks, here's yet another pic of Vinnie's favorite foreign ice hockey babe, Emma Laaksonen . . .

In other hockey-related news . . .

GUESS WHO CAN START SKATING NEXT WEEK?!!!

Okay, it is very preliminary, and I am not cleared for ice hockey, but my PT (Mike Dillon, a terrific guy) said that I can try to skate next week, as long as he tapes up my knee first. I can't go crazy, but he wants me to skate a while and track my results.

Obviously, my therapy is going very well, and I have little to no pain in the knee anymore. I would judge the knee at about 90%. The PT suggested - and rightly so - that I keep up with the therapy for another month until we're sure I am completely healed. I have been going three times a week for a month, and I cannot believe the results I am getting - especially after I thought my playing days (both on the ice and with my kids) were over.

This is what Wyatt sounds like when he's happy, kids. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

The Redneck Tank Top

Another absolute gem from Uncle Ray. You just know that Captain America and GOP and College have a drawer chock full o' these. Heh. (Click to embiggen.)

"I'll tell you what . . . "

Happy United Nations Day!

Today is United Nations Day. I hope everyone is celebrating it accordingly:

• Throw a party at someone else's house, and when the residents get object, whimper away in failure.
• Go to the movies, and do nothing while a punk in the rear of the theater keeps yelling out plot lines.
• Let a homeless man address your group or organization, no matter what crazy ideas he screams at you.
• Accept friendly "gifts" from the drug dealer next door in return for your silence.
• Give an award to the local car thief because he tells you he felt "remorse" after his arrest.

Have a terrific day!

(Linked at OTB's Beltway Traffic Jam.)

Who Knew Philadelphia Had A Leak Problem?

The homicide count in Philadelphia currently stands at 325 bodies, and this is what City Council is worried about?

Public lewdness by bar patrons is driving residents in the Manayunk-Roxborough area to complain to City Hall, and city officials are now poised to respond. Manayunk resident Peter Rose told a City Council committee on Tuesday that his neighbors are fed up with the actions of drunken visitors running wild when the bars of Main Street let out:

"You have each night a procession of people coming up from the bars on Main Street who think it's great sport to urinate in our alleys, in our front yards, in the parking lots."

Rose said the problem is not just public urination but also defecation, and more:

So the Committee on Licenses and Inspections okayed a measure that raises the penalties for public urination and defecation -- from $300 to a maximum of $1,500 this year, and a top fine of $2,000 in 2009.

The measure now goes to the full Council for a vote, perhaps as early as next week. (H/T - KYW1060)

Unbelievable. Let's put the homicides on the back burner and fret about the tinkling. I wonder if City Council will add a provision to fine homicide victims that involuntarily urinate at the time of death?

Ed Rendell Has A Lot Of (Soccer) Balls

Artist's rendering of the proposed stadium in Chester. CHESTER!

Apparently, Pennsylvania's idiot governor, "Fast" Ed Rendell is touting a proposed soccer stadium in Chester.

Yeah, you heard me: Chester.

For those of you who are not familiar with southeast Pennsylvania, Chester is like Compton without the good weather. It's like Newark, New Jersey without the mob ties. It's like Mogadishu without the white, sandy beaches. In a word, it's a war zone.

The proposed 20,000-seat, $115 million soccer stadium on Chester's riverfront would generate jobs and give a big assist to a city trying to score its own economic comeback, investors and city and Delaware County officials promised yesterday.

But the clock is ticking when it comes to realizing that goal, Gov. Rendell warned.

Of course it is, Eddie. And when the clock is ticking, that can mean only one thing: the taxpayers are going to get shafted.

Investors and Delaware County officials showed off renderings of a sleek-looking stadium and outlined terms of the county's $30 million commitment during a news conference in Media yesterday.

This step, first reported Saturday, is only one in a series that must be taken before a Major League Soccer franchise is awarded to the Philadelphia region. For starters, the $155 million project, including about $30 million in MLS franchise fees, hinges on crucial state aid.

And there it is. For those of you not familiar with Rendell-speak, "crucial state aid" means that Rendell (D - PA) is going to tax us back to the Stone Age.

Yesterday, Rendell said it was up to the state Senate, which is considering his request for a $500 million statewide capital-redevelopment assistance program. Passing it will require raising the debt limit, and it is unclear that the Senate will act on that this year.

"Without that, the project will fall," he said in response to questions following a Harleysville event he attended. (H/T - The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Did you see Eddie's new Rendell-speak here? "Capital-redevelopment assistance program," or, C.R.A.P. And that's exactly the acronym that should be used here. How do you think that Fast Eddie will find the money to pay for this Spruce Goose? It's simple: once again, a Democrat is about to raise your taxes. And he's not going to do it to fix the roads, improve the schools, or hire more police officers. He's going to do it to build a soccer stadium in one of the most crime-ridden cities in the state.

Rendell believes that if the State Senate refuses to allocate the funds, the project will die. To quote Ivan Drago from Rocky IV: "If it dies, it dies."

The Old Neighborhood

Well, more specifically, it's the current neighborhood, just . . . old.

This is awesome!

It's a photo of the intersection of Grant Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, circa 1953. Obviously, it looks nothing like it does today. The photo interests me, though, because it is only about four blocks from my home.

Yeah, I know I should have something funny to write here, but I don't. Sorry.

(H/T - Uncle Ray)

Duke And UNC: Swimming While Cali Burns

Ya gotta wonder what people in Malibu think of this lunacy:

It's not even real grass.

But in the midst of what may be the worst drought ever in North Carolina, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are watering the synthetic turfs used by their field hockey teams.

The International Hockey Federation insists.

The universities are not breaking any rules. But like clockwork, as residents in Durham and Chapel Hill see their plants and lawns wither, the sprinklers go on at the UNC-CH Francis E. Henry Stadium and at Duke's Williams Field.

Brad Schnurr, a Chapel Hill contractor who does work in Durham, saw the sprinklers go on one afternoon recently at Duke and drove around the block to make sure he was not seeing things.

"Sprinklers aren't even the right term, they're like fire hoses," Schnurr said. "I was like, 'What is that? What is that?' I couldn't believe it."

The International Hockey Federation requires the college teams to saturate the synthetic turfs before each practice and all games. (H/T - Yahoo!)

Unbelievable. Are they worried the girls will get turf burn? They would be better off hosing down the players instead of the turf. It would make for a better show for the guys anyway. Heh.

Yet Another Distraction From Your Work

And this one comes in a timely Halloween theme. Just click on the hangman link. Have fun!

Halloween Hangman

(H/T - Uncle Ray)

Quick, Somebody Get Her The Purple Socks!

Who knew "Dancing With the Stars" was such a strenuous pastime? The next thing you know, they will have athletic trainers and an ambulance stationed just off-screen.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (October 22, 2007) - Marie Osmond collapsed during the taping of Monday's "Dancing With the Stars." After she finished the samba with partner Jonathan Roberts, Marie was listening to judge Len Goodman's critique when she passed out and hit the floor.

The show immediately cut to commercial during its East Coast airing. After being attended to, Marie came to and told the crowd she fainted because she wasn't breathing during her dance.

"I forget to breathe. I'm fine thank you," she said after getting back to her feet, drawing rousing applause from the audience. (H/T - Yahoo!)

She forgot to breathe.

• If you would like to see Wyatt write "I had no idea Marie Osmond was a natural blond," press 1 now.
• If you would like to see Wyatt write "Maybe Marie should have been dancing to Bush's Machine Head instead," press 2 now.
• If you would like to see Wyatt write "Luckily for Marie, blue is her color," press 3 now.
  

Smithers, Come Here, I Need You!

You Are Mr. Burns

Okay, so you're evil... You have big plans to rule the world, and you'll destroy it in the process if necessary! You will be remembered for: the exploitation of the masses Life philosophy: "One dollar for eternal happiness? I'd be happier with the dollar."

The Simpsons Personality Test

Gleefully stolen - a la C. Montgonery Burns - from Pandy.

Let Me Stand Next To Your Fire

If I were an inconsiderate jerk, I would ask if anyone was playing "Burnin' Down the House" on their stereo. But, even I'm not that inconsiderate.

SAN DIEGO - Wildfires fanned by fierce desert winds consumed huge swaths of bone-dry Southern California on Monday, burning dozens of buildings and threatening hundreds more from Malibu to San Diego, including a jail, a hospital and nursing homes.

More than a dozen wildfires had engulfed the region, killing at least one person, injuring dozens more and forcing hundreds of thousands of evacuations. Overwhelmed firefighters said they lacked the resources to save many houses.

"We have more houses burning than we have people and engine companies to fight them," San Diego Fire Captain Lisa Blake said. "A lot of people are going to lose their homes today."

Nearly 250,000 people were forced to flee in San Diego County alone, where hundreds of patients were being moved by school bus and ambulance from a hospital and nursing homes, sheriff's spokeswoman Susan Knauss said. (H/T - Yahoo!)

Here is my question, and it is definitely not intended to be snarky. These California wildfires occur every year around this time, right? And they are usually in the same general area, right? Well, given those truisms, wouldn't a prudent person move out of that area instead of hoping that their home won't be consumed in the blaze? Honestly, after the first or second time the flames licked my backyard, I would be moving somewhere less flammable.

Hopefully, the firefighters can get a handle on this dangerous situation quickly. Pray for their safety.

Kid Rock Arrested

A Hollywood celebrity was arrested? I am shocked and appalled.

Kid Rock was arrested early Sunday after a brawl at a restaurant and spent about 12 hours in jail before being released, police said.

The musician stopped at the Waffle House restaurant shortly after 5 a.m. after his performance at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, authorities said.

"He and five members of his entourage were involved in a fight with a male customer inside the Waffle House," said Mekka Parish, a spokeswoman for the DeKalb County Police Department. (H/T - Yahoo!)

Police went on to say that Kid Rock made the following statement:

"Let that be a lesson to anyone who wants to borrow my boysenberry syrup and not give it back! I'm Kid Rock, beyotch!!"

(By the way, the Caption Contest winners are posted below.)

U-G-L-Y, We Ain't Got No Alibi

In fairness, I live in the city, so my hideous visage is not helping matters . . .

Philadelphia has the ugliest people in the country, according to Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Of the 25 major American cities ranked by citizen attractiveness, Philadelphia finished dead-last.

According to 60,000 respondents to the magazine's online survey, Philadelphians are slightly more repulsive than Washingtonians (24), Dallasites (23) and San Antonions (22) but way uglier than Miamians (1), San Diegoans (2) and Charlestonians (3).

"This is the city of Fabian and Frankie Avalon and Grace Kelly," said City Councilman Frank DiCicco. "Are they saying we've morphed into ugly people over the last few decades? Somebody's drinking something out there." (H/T - The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Gee, how did I know the article would end with "outrage" from well-known Philadelphians? It's as if a high school student wrote this piece. And what's with DiCicco pulling a Hiro Nakamura and time-warping back to the 50's? Frankie Avalon? Grace Kelly? How about someone recent, like say current corrupt mayor John Street?

Yep, there we go. The Mayor of Uglytown.

Listen people, who the Hell cares if a poll conducted by some lame magazine tells us we're butt ugly? Look at the bright side: we're also incredibly rude, completely fickle with our sports teams, and incurably negative. Now there's a feather in our collective cap! Be proud!

(Linked at OTB's Beltway Traffic Jam.)

I Triple Dog Dare Ya

As I mentioned yesterday, I was a researcher for Randal and his wife's entry into Urban Dare: Philadelphia. The Urban Dare is similar to The Amazing Race, where teams must walk/run from checkpoint to checkpoint and solve puzzles or do random tasks. When a team reaches a checkpoint, they must take their photo in front of it. I'll let Randal explain how the event started:

Start Question: They had a field divided into 4 quadrants: A, B, C, D. The guy asked a multi-choice question and if you got it right, you could start; if not, you had to wait for the next question.

The question was: On July 4th, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed by how many people: A: 9 B: 2 C: 13 D: 60-something

No one choose A. We and 2 other teams chose B. Everyone else chose C or D. B was right, bitches! So we got to start 1st. Of course, I screamed "Boo-ya" real loud when we got it right. Right after that we sent you the clues.

Here is the photo of the clues Randal sent me. Immediately after receiving them, I went to work.

Question #1: Get your picture with the Tree-Man Mural.

I looked Tree-Man Mural up in Google, and found that the mural was located at the corner of 16th & South Streets. The team was off and running.

As they were enroute, I looked up the next few questions.

Question#2: Go to Louis Kahn Park for your spellbound dare. Your word is Universe.

I found the park at 11th & Pine Streets. When they got there, they had to find the letters in the word UNIVERSE to complete their challenge.

Question #3: Go to the coffee shop across the store with the magical name and purpose. Go out back to complete your dare.

I found the Hocus Pocus magic shop at 523 S. 4th Street. When the team arrived there, they had to go out and make a two-story house of cards. Mrs. Graves did so here:


Question #4: Get your picture with the Indian standing on a turtle.

I looked up the key words online and found the Tamanend Statue at Front & Market Streets. When the team arrived, they took their photo here:


Question #5: Get your picture with the World War I Memorial to those who served from the 6th, 11th, & 12th Wards of Philadelphia.

This one kicked my ass. I looked the key words up every which way on every internet server. Finally, Captain America - whose fire station is in the area - suggested the statue at 2nd & Spring Garden. Success!!! Classic Randal line: "Tell him we appreciate it, even though he's a Right-Wing, gun-toting thug!" Nice. The team took their photo here, but my ineptitude cost them precious time.


Question #6: Go to wrolbonth (two-word jumble) where you must knock them all down on this dare.

Randal and I found the North Bowl bowling alley at 909 N. 2nd Street. When the team arrived they had to bowl a strike. Randal did so in the fastest time (one throw) of the day. When the team took the photo of the dog, they received a 5-minute time bonus, which jumped them into third place.

Question #7: Think James Joyce's final novel. Go to the place with almost the same name for your trivia dare.

The easiest question of the day. Finnegan's Wake is a bar in Northern Liberties which sponsors the Police Survivor's Benefit every year. I'll let Randal tell y'all what happened when they got there:

CP#7 Finnegan's Wake - answer 3 trivia questions from Trivial Pursuit, 80's Edition. I got the first 4-5 sports questions wrong, but them knocked out the 3 pretty quickly. (oh, and on your suggestion, we did this before CP#6, which probably saved us a couple of minutes, which decided 3rd place)

Question #8: Go to the Square named for Poor Richard. Get your picture with a brick near the fountain. The brick will say "In Memory of Rose and Nathan Rubinson."

Franklin Square was also a pretty simple clue, since Police Headquarters is across the street from the Square. Once there, they took this photo:


Question #9: Get your picture with the mural at the House of Dragon.

Another easy one. Why? Because the mural is in front of Captain America's fire station. Here's the photo:


Question #10: Get your photo with a giant Monopoly game piece. They had to get it in front of the wheelbarrow.

This one was a bear, but I found it eventually. It was in the plaza at the Municipal Services Building, at Broad & JFK (across from City Hall).

Question #11: Get your picture with the memorial to the Polish astronomer who theorized that the Earth and other planets revolved around the sun.

It was tricky, but I eventually found the Copernicus Memorial at 18th and Ben Franklin Parkway.

Finish: Go to the Irish Pub (2007 Walnut Street) for your most puzzling dare.

I'll let Mrs. Randal describe the finale:

When we got to the Irish pub, we had to put together a 60 piece jigsaw puzzle before checking in.

And Randal can finish up the event:

Total number of Teams: 35
Distance Traveled: 8.57 miles (all on foot)
Total Time (before time bonus): 2 hours, 13 minutes
Total Time (after time bonus): 2 hours, 8 minutes
Place: 3rd
4th place time: 2 hours 9 minutes.
Without the time bonus, we wouldn't have taken 3rd.

And here is a photo of their route:


And a final photo of their prize. They took 3rd Place, but I can't help thinking that if I didn't frak up the WWI Memorial, they may have won the event. Sorry, guys.